My Christmas preparation

Hi everyone;

After 3 weeks of preparing for Christmas here’s my accomplishment s.

Gardening Zinnias 2020

Gardening can be an easy and fun hobby.

My zinnia garden has primarily been started with seeds from previous years.  The below photos are from this year.

The first step is easy.  If you are not using seeds from another year buy quality zinnia seeds at your local lawn and garden center.  My original seeds were bought at our Agway Garden Center.

Wait until there is so sign of frost.  Usually after Memorial Day or June 1st.

I plant my seeds behind existing shrubs to deer proof them.  We have plenty of deer that just love any flowers but unless they are up and front they usually don't bother them.  So beware you may have to spray a deer repellent if they are close to an area deer are know to habitat.

Using a long screwdriver or garden tool I made a 1/4'line in the soil and spread seeds gently into soil. I then cover the seeds with a fine garden or potting soil.  Water gently with a spray mist until seedlings are established.  It takes anywhere from 7 to 10 days depending on warmness of soil and weather temperature.

The photos below should help you to understand the growing adventure.

Good Luck!

Note:  you may need to support the zinnias as the grow.  I buy twine and put posts on each end to give support to the zinnias.

From my Happy Garden to yours,

Air Fryer pork chops

I love using my air fryer.  It’s convenient for so many meats.

Today it’s center cut pork for the second time an easy quick recipe. Mine had a little fat on ends which really made them extra tender.

Note: If you use thinner pork chops they will cook very quick so watch time.  Personally a little thicker chop is the way to go.

2 -1/2 inch pork chops **without bone
Olive oil
Salt and pepper.

Generously coat pork with olive oil, salt and pepper.  I have used other spices so you season to your liking.  Note: I have used lemon and pepper seasoning too.

Turn air fryer on 365 or 370 degrees depending on your air fryer.

I used 370 degree temperature for 15 minutes turning chops at 7 minutes and added a few drops more of olive oil.

Moist and super tender.  Thumbs up!

While the pork was cooking I sliced in half small white potatoes, seasoned with olive oil, salt pepper , onion and garlic powder.  Baked 425 25 minutes.

Green beans with butter as a side

Enjoy!

Chicken with strawberry salsa

If you looking for a light summer meal this one is good.  Most of the prep was the salsa and I made it earlier in the day. It was the perfect compliment to the chicken.

I baked the sweet potatoes for my convenience.  We do not own a grill..😚 M.j.

Easy meal and the strawberry salsa definitely compliments the chicken.

Enjoy!

I made a few adjustments to this recipe as noted.

4 small sweet potatoes ( I used one extra large sweet potato)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the grill

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)

1 teaspoon ancho chile powder( I used regular Chile Powder)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

8 strawberries, finely chopped

1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (leave in some seeds for heat)(I added red pepper flakes)

2 scallions, chopped

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (watch amount)

Juice of 1 lime, plus wedges for serving( I didn’t have any lime so I used an orange and it’s juice)

Please note:  I made this recipe my way,  I used an Air fryer for the chicken.  365 degrees for 15 minutes.

I also microwaved the sweet potato and then cut it in half brushed olive oil on it and broiled it until slightly crispy.

Preheat a grill to medium. Microwave the sweet potatoes until soft, 7 to 9 minutes. Let cool slightly, then brush with 1 teaspoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, the chile powder, cumin and a big pinch each of salt and pepper.

Make the salsa: Combine the strawberries, bell pepper, jalapeno and half each of the scallions and cilantro in a medium bowl. Add the lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Toss well and set aside until juicy.

Oil the grill grates and add the sweet potatoes and chicken. Grill, covered, turning, until the sweet potatoes are tender and charred and the chicken is cooked through, 15 minutes for the sweet potatoes and 16 to 20 minutes for the chicken.

Split open the sweet potatoes. Drizzle with the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil, sprinkle with the remaining scallions and cilantro and season with salt and pepper; fluff with a fork. Serve the chicken with the sweet potatoes; top the chicken with the strawberry salsa and serve with lime wedges.

Air fryer stuffed French toast

I’m really enjoying my air fryer.  I use it several times a week.

It’s not an exact science with recipes in my opinion .  I have learned as I go along.

My air fryer gave me some suggestions on temperature but no exact temperatures and times.

Check out your Air fryer temperatures and be careful checking every so many minutes for color.  You don’t want to overcook.






2 eggs
1 tsp.. Vanilla extract
1 1/2  cups milk( you may need more)
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon or more
Whisk above ingredients

Approximately 6 slices bread
Should make 3 French toast sandwiches


Filling
3 T soft cream cheese
2 tsp. blueberry jam (or jam of choice)
Mix together


SUGGESTIONS:  spray basket with cooking spray before adding French toast sandwich for easy clean up!

STEP 1

YUMMY!

STEP 3

STEP 2

STEP 4

Turn air fryer on.  Set temperature to 385 or temperature your air fryer suggests. Allowing it to warm helps before adding item.

Spray basket with cooking spray.

Place French toast sandwich in fryer.  Approximately 6 minutes.  Half way turn French toast sandwich to other side.  Check for golden brown color.  Serve with maple syrup or plain with powdered sugar sprinkle.